We get mail: Andrew Young defends Mayor Kasim Reed
Former mayor disagrees with recent column by John Sugg
- Joeff Davis/CL File
- Andrew Young
Former Mayor and United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young writes in to respond to former CL Senior Editor John Sugg, who last week contrasted Mayor Kasim Reed and Newark Mayor Cory Booker, including their postions on “pay-to-play.”
In “A Tale of Two Mayors” the author suggests that Newark has a better mayor than Atlanta. I cannot let that go unchallenged.
In Atlanta, and around the world, the priority is job creation. The new Maynard Jackson International Terminal will provide a first class international gateway to promote commerce in our region and create 700 new jobs.
Atlanta’s efficient, honest, and fair contract standards and multi-racial business environment enable us to attract business from all over the world. As mayor, I was sued over contracts - even when the contracts were awarded to the lowest and best bids. Lawsuits are no measure of the fairness of the city’s process.
As Atlanta’s mayor, Kasim Reed has kept his focus on the economic growth of Atlanta and the region and producing good jobs for our residents.
- He led a trade mission to China and brought back important business relationships.
- He has nurtured a relationship with Gov. Nathan Deal and the state legislature that I can’t help but envy. When Atlanta and Georgia work together, we are an unbeatable economic engine.
- He is working with state and regional leaders to solve the region’s transportation challenges.
- He is working with the governor and private business to revolutionize shipping off the Georgia coast.
In Atlanta, crime is down, the convention business is up and our recreation centers are open.
When it comes to leadership in City Hall, Atlanta plays second fiddle to no one. We have been blessed with strong, smart and dedicated mayors since Mayor William Hartsfield - and our Mayor Kasim Reed is in that tradition.